Competing in his first tournament since last year’s Gator Invitational, senior Tommy Mou has powered Florida into first place at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate in Vestavia Hills, Ala.
The Bradenton native thrived on the fairways, carding a 68 (-2) in the opening round of his fall debut. Mou strung together four birdies at the par-70, 7,204-yard course and is currently in a tie for first with
Auburn’s Michael Johnson and Alabama’s Cory Whitsett.
During Mou’s four years as a Gator, he has recorded only two top-10 finishes in addition to carding even or under par in just 12 of his 60 rounds.
Florida recorded 282 (+2) in the opening round of play. Because the tournament was delayed by fog, teams could not complete the second round before nightfall.
Along with strong efforts from seniors T.J. Vogel and Tyler McCumber, the Gators hold a six-stroke lead among a competitive field that includes four teams ranked in the most recent Nike/Golf World Coaches’ Poll in addition to Florida.
“We played solidly in the morning,” coach Buddy Alexander said.
Both McCumber and Vogel turned in 71 (+1). Vogel birdied on holes 16 and 17, regaining his footing after a sluggish start that included three bogeys. At the end of Round 1, the pair was tied for seventh with two other Southeastern Conference players — Alabama’s Bobby Wyatt and Mississippi State’s Alex Boasson.
Sophomore J.D. Tomlinson finished the opening round in 72 strokes (+2) — good for an 11th-place tie, just one stroke behind McCumber and Vogel.
Freshman A.J. Crouch shot a 78 (+8) for the day.
Florida boasts four players inside the top 30 of the individual leaderboard, including three in the top 10 of the 60-player field.
“Having five guys go out there and play well is exactly what you want,” Alexander said.
The Gators will finish what is left of the second round Tuesday morning, followed by the third and final round of the tournament.
